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I really want to take time now for some projects that have been waiting, including a book I've long wished to write. Most of all, I want to thank you for being such wonderful supporters of THE JAZZ IMAGE™ all these years. Without you, the program couldn't have become what it did, a place to meet each week and explore this vibrant art form and talk to the people who speak the special musical language we call jazz. I also want to thank singer Alice Babs and Duke Ellington for the signature sound that has identified the program and invited you back Saturday after Saturday on Minnesota Public Radio.

Whether here at home or overseas, I wish you all the best in years to come.

Every Saturday night, host Leigh Kamman brings you the best from the jazz universe through music and interviews. The Jazz Image showcases the wide range of the genre, covering everything from jazz's roots in the blues through its Latin influences, with artists ranging from Bessie Smith to John Coltrane to Mario Bauza, and a host of others in between. For an eclectic journey through the world of jazz, you won't want to miss The Jazz Image.

Have a question or comment about something you've heard on The Jazz Image? Perhaps you'd like to suggest a particular piece or artist for a future program. Send Leigh Kamman your comments and questions, and let us know where you're listening!

A Jazz Starter Kit
This resource guide provides listings of recommended music, videos, and book from the different eras and styles of the genre, from its blues roots through Afro-Cuban rhythms.

In Search of Ellington
An interview with Leigh Kamman by Minnesota Public Radio about jazz great Duke Ellington. Kamman spoke with Ellington several times thoughout his career, and recently produced several features commemorating the 100th anniversary of Ellington's birth.

Maria Schneider brings big band jazz home to WindomGrammy Award-winning jazz composer/bandleader and Minnesota native Maria Schneider is returning to the state with her orchestra for weekend performances at her alma mater, the University of Minnesota, and hometown, Windom. She's now based in New York but her music has roots in Southwestern Minnesota soil.(02/24/2006)Tales of the tromboneTrombonists seem to be overlooked in the world of jazz, especially in comparison to trumpet, saxophone and piano players. But Twin Cities trombonist Dave Graf is stepping forward with the release of his first CD. (10/20/2005)Mr. Smooth keeps on playing West St. Paul jazz saxophonist Irv Williams is 86-years-old, and as busy as ever. In just over a year, Williams, who some say is a living legend, has released two cds. He also has a standing Friday afternoon gig at the Dakota in Minneapolis. (09/09/2005)Jamming with the SPCO Tenor saxophonist Joe Lovano improvises with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra in the U.S. premiere of "A Man Descending." (05/06/2005)Jeremy Walker continues his jazz mission It's been a little over a year since saxophonist Jeremy Walker's downtown St. Paul jazz club, Brilliant Corners, closed its doors. Walker is continuing his mission of developing jazz in the Twin Cities with the new Jazz is NOW! Orchestra. (04/29/2005)House concerts make a comeback If you've got a living room and a few dozen friends with a few bucks, then you can turn your house into a jazz club. That's what a budding group of jazz fans and musicians are doing in the Twin Cities. These folks believe that art can become a bonding experience for a community—people come in, they listen, they talk, and then somebody else says, "Let's do it at our house next month!" (10/08/2004)Greg Paulus toots his own horn It's somewhat surprising when a young, gifted musician decides to pursue jazz over something more popular, such as rock or hip hop. Such is the case with 19-year-old jazz trumpeter Greg Paulus of St. Paul. Many say he has the talent and perseverance to make music his career. Paulus performs this weekend at the Artists' Quarter in St. Paul. (07/09/2004)